Over 150 volunteers celebrated at Stockport's first
Volunteer Awards in over a decade
On Tuesday 21 May Stockport hosted the first ever Stockport Rocks!
This unforgettable evening saw 400 guests gather at Edgeley Park to honor the extraordinary local volunteers who positively impact the lives of many in our community.
The event was impeccably hosted by Stockport County Club President, Steve Bellis, who guided us through a night where 32 individuals and organisations were presented with awards.
However, it wasn’t just about the winners. Over 150 volunteers were present at the Awards, all of whom had been nominated for an Award and were treated to a magical night including a two course meal and drinks. After dinner we were treated to an emotional performance by Beechwood Community Choir.
Stockport Rocks! was a team effort between Stockport Volunteer Hub, Sector 3, Stockport County Community Trust, Marketing Stockport, and Stockport Council. Plus of course the incredible array of sponsors, made up of local businesses, who helped make the event a reality.
We received an overwhelming 300 nominations across 101 different organisations, which made the judging process a considerable challenge! But what a lovely challenge to have.
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, summed up the feeling of the night, saying:
“I was honored to celebrate the fantastic achievements of so many of our volunteers at the inaugural Stockport Rocks! Awards. Volunteers are the backbone of our community, and it’s essential to acknowledge their significant contributions towards creating a happy and healthy Stockport.”
The night was filled with joy, appreciation, and tears as we celebrated the fantastic individuals that help make Stockport the friendly place it is.
We’ll definitely be back again for Stockport Rocks 2025!
The Winners and Highly Commended:
Volunteer Mentor Award – sponsored by Planisware
Winner:
Carol Potts – Beechwood Cancer Care
Highly Commended:
- Andrew Millest – CERA Cycloan
- Sue Dockney (pictured) – Empowering Parents Empowering Communities
Health & Wellbeing Award - sponsored by PossAbilities
Winner:
- Steve Hall – Banter & Brews
Highly Commended:
- Karen Ainley (picutred) – Stockport County Community Trust
- Luigi Di Vuono
Climate Action Award - sponsored by KAO Data
WINNER:
- Agnes Pimblett – Friends of Heaton Norris Park
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Carl Palmer – Woodley & Bredbury Community Garden
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Greg Pike – Marple Climate Group
Community Inclusion Award - sponsored by Stockport 8
WINNER:
- Paul Goddard & Jimmy Glinden – Brinnington Park Leisure Complex
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Carmel O’Mally – St Peter’s Helpers
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Richard Hubbard – Cheadle & Gatley Football Club
Good Neighbour Award - sponsored by Stockport Council
WINNER:
- Sarah Hardy – Offerton Community Kitchen
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- David Parkinson – Woodley & Bredbury Neighbours
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Katie Bradburn – Craig Road Residents Association
SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
- Anne Holland – Starting Point
Corporate Volunteer Programme Award
WINNER:
- Datesand
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Novanta
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Nexperia
Unsung Hero Award
WINNER:
- Andrew Roughley – Roughley’s Bike Show
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Ben Autumn – NAPAC
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Maurice Perkins – Stockport Armed Forces Covenant
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Samantha Merrick – Pure Insight & Keira’s Kingdom
Long Service Award - sponsored by Nexperia
WINNER:
- Marjorie Bennett – Girlguiding
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Eileen Bailey – Stockport Car Scheme
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Margaret Thomson – St Ann’s Hospice
Young Volunteer Award - sponsored by Cheadle Hulme School
Winner:
- Elizabeth Nichols – ARC (Arts for Recovery in the Community)
Highly Commended:
- Daniel Reid – Seashell Trust
Highly Commended:
- Megan Finch – Signpost Stockport for Carers
Highly Commended:
- Zak Higson-Dibb – Grove Lane Baptist Church
Volunteer Team Award
WINNER – Volunteer Team:
- The Wellspring
- Dementia Disco (pictured)
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- All for Ukraine
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Brinnington SEND
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- OWLS
